Top

NEPSE

By Dipesh Ghimire

Nepse Index Declines, Trading Volume and Most Stocks Drop; Calls for Easier Bank Investments and Margin Trading Intensify

Published on August 21, 2025

On the final trading day of the week, Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) experienced a decline, continuing the downward trend from the previous day. The Nepse index dropped by 9.22 points, closing at 2,757.97. Similarly, the Sensitive Index decreased by 0.69 points, while both the Float Index and Sensitive Float Index saw drops of 0.50 and 0.21 points, respectively.

Along with the index, the total trading volume also saw a decline. After a consistent drop throughout the week, this day also reflected lower trade activity. While Wednesday saw trading worth NPR 5.20 billion, the market on this day witnessed 319 stocks traded 56,824 times, amounting to NPR 5.02 billion, with 168.55 million shares bought and sold.

Shares of Vikas Hydropower were still traded at a positive circuit level, rising by NPR 32.10 to close at NPR 353.40. On the other hand, the share price of JanUtthan Community Microfinance fell by 4.65%. Other stocks saw a modest increase of less than 3%.

Among the top stocks in terms of trading volume, Himalayan Re-Insurance led with a trade volume of NPR 24.09 million, followed by Nepal Re-Insurance with NPR 20 million, and Balephi Hydropower with more than NPR 14 million.

In terms of sub-indices, one out of 13 sub-sectors showed growth, while 12 saw a decrease. The Non-Life Insurance sub-sector increased by 0.14%, while the others witnessed declines of less than 1%.

Fundamental analysts believe that investors are waiting for key announcements, particularly regarding easing restrictions for banks to invest in stocks and making margin trading more accessible. Should these changes be implemented, analysts predict a positive shift in the market. Sources from the central bank have confirmed that preparations for both measures are in their final stages.

Moving to Technical Analysis

Technical analyst Ajit Khanal pointed out that the market broke below the 50-day moving average, closing beneath it. Recently, the market had struggled with the 50-day moving average, but low trading volumes have led to a weakening market. However, there is hope that the market might see some positive movement at the 61% retracement level. Despite this, most technical indicators are showing negative signals. If the market breaks the 61% retracement level, it may head towards a more negative direction. Additionally, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) today fell below 40, signaling market weakness. Trading volumes were the lowest since March 26, and after 12:10 PM, the market continued to decline without reaching any new highs. Even among the top 10 brokers, trading was balanced with no clear trend.

Prabhu Insurance Q4: Stable Revenue, Declining Profitability, and Strong Valuation Premium

Prabhu Insurance (PRIN) has published its audited Q4 2024/25 results, showing weaker performance compared to last year. The company’s total revenue fell by 25.70% YoY to Rs. 962.10 million, while net income dropped sharply by 56.8% to Rs. 211.96 million. Profit margins compressed, with net margin declining to 22.03% from 48.47% a year ago. Similarly, returns weakened as ROA slipped to 3.24% and ROE to 6.38%, both well below last year’s levels. Earnings per share also fell significantly to Rs. 14.70 from Rs. 34.05, while the P/E ratio jumped to 61.89, indicating the stock remains highly valued despite reduced profitability. On the balance sheet side, book value per share improved to Rs. 325.91, and the market value per share closed at Rs. 910, showing that PRIN trades at nearly 2.8 times its book value. Operationally, the company issued 123,873 policies, almost flat YoY, while renewed policies rose 27.95%. Claims paid fell by 24.96%, but outstanding claims increased, raising some concerns. Although PRIN had distributed Rs. 18.95 per share in dividend earlier, the steep decline in profitability could pressure future payouts. Overall, the insurer shows stable topline operations but is facing profitability and efficiency challenges despite maintaining high market valuations.

Soaltee Hotel Q4: Strong Revenue Growth, Stable Margins, and Robust Profitability

The book value per share stood at Rs. 27.15, while the market price surged to Rs. 577.58, trading at more than 21x its book value. This premium pricing suggests high investor confidence and brand strength. Dividend history remained stable, with SHL continuing its shareholder return policy — the company had distributed Rs. 36.84 per share previously.

Hathway Investment Nepal Q4: Revenue Jumps Sharply, Margins Stable, But Valuation Stretched

Hathway Investment Nepal reported Q4 revenue of Rs. 197.49 million (+275.88% YoY) and net income of Rs. 64.95 million (-22.67% YoY). Margins remain stable with 32.89% net margin, but ROA (2.39%) and ROE (3.08%) indicate moderate returns. EPS stood at Rs. 2.29, while the stock trades at a very high P/E of 531.92, signaling stretched valuations. Despite the revenue rebound, the absence of dividends this year contrasts with last year’s Rs. 10.53 payout.

NESDO Laghubitta Q4: Heavy NPL Pressure Drags Earnings into Red Despite Strong Revenue Base

NESDO Sambridha Laghubitta reported Q4 revenue of Rs. 530.40 million (-33.31% YoY) but slipped into a net loss of Rs. 10.09 million, compared to Rs. 67.86 million profit last year. High NPLs at 21.06% and a stretched CD ratio of 167.84% have severely impacted earnings. ROA and ROE turned negative at -0.24% and -1.23%, while EPS fell to -3.47. Despite financial stress, the stock trades at Rs. 1,716.78, showing market optimism, though no dividend was declared this year

City Hotel Limited Q4: Heavy Losses Persist Despite Strong Revenue Base

City Hotel Limited (CITY) reported Q4 FY 2024/25 revenue of Rs. 522.31 million (-9.09% YoY) but a net loss of Rs. 198.97 million. Gross profit margin stood at 28.77%, while net margin was deeply negative at -38.09%. ROA and ROE were -3.58% and -13.83% respectively. EPS came in at -Rs. 11.89, with book value declining to Rs. 80.83. Despite ongoing losses, CITY’s market value per share jumped to Rs. 873.65, suggesting that investors are pricing in long-term tourism recovery prospects.

Standard Chartered Nepal Q4 Results: Stable Profitability Despite Revenue Dip

Standard Chartered Bank Nepal (SCB) reported Q4 FY 2024/25 revenue of Rs. 8.33 billion (-6.60% YoY) with net income of Rs. 3.03 billion (-8.4% YoY). Despite revenue pressure, profit margin strengthened to 36.33%, while ROE stood at 14.41%. Asset quality improved with NPLs down to 1.47% and provisioning coverage rising to 160%. EPS stood at Rs. 30.17, with a PE ratio of 21.75. The bank continues to maintain strong capitalization and liquidity, positioning itself as one of the most stable commercial banks in Nepal.

Prime Commercial Bank Q4 Results: Strong Profitability Despite Revenue Slowdown

Prime Commercial Bank (PCBL) reported Q4 FY 2024/25 revenue of Rs. 23.53 billion (-9.21% YoY) but improved profitability with net income of Rs. 4.02 billion (+6.6% YoY). Net profit margin strengthened to 17.10%. EPS rose to Rs. 20.74, while ROE stood at 12.55%. NPLs increased to 5.56%, but cost of funds fell to 5.21%, supporting better margins. Market value closed at Rs. 276.31 per share.

NIC Asia Bank Q4 Results: Weak Profit Growth Despite Solid Revenue Base

NIC Asia Bank (NICA) reported Q4 FY 2024/25 revenue of Rs. 28.81 billion (-29.12% YoY) and net income of just Rs. 161.57 million, down sharply from Rs. 1.38 billion a year earlier. Margins remained thin with net profit margin at 0.56%. ROE dropped to 0.54% and EPS to Rs. 1.08, reflecting weak earnings. Asset quality worsened as NPLs rose to 6.28%, though capital adequacy improved to 14%. Market value per share closed at Rs. 420.05.

Nepal Investment Bank Q4 Results: Strong Profitability Amid Revenue Decline

Nepal Investment Bank (NIMB) reported Q4 revenue of Rs. 36.10 billion (-11.22% YoY) but net income surged 29.9% to Rs. 6.75 billion, with margins strengthening to 18.72%. ROE stood at 10.57% and EPS at Rs. 19.80, reflecting robust profitability. NPL ratio inched up to 5.85%, but loan-loss coverage improved to 108.87%. Lower cost of funds and strong liquidity supported earnings. Market value per share rose to Rs. 231.02, highlighting investor confidence.